Honda Accord Timing Belt and Water Pump

[apvm]

I have a 94' Accord EXR (V-Tech engine) which is now 130,000km, I was told I need to replace the timing belt soon and in the same time should replace the water pump too, sounds logical and resonable but my question is when, I was told many versions vary from 100,000-200,000km....Honda USA recommends 100,000 miles which is about 160,000km. Friends told me 100,000km, then 150,000km and one of them did his Civic at 200,000km

So when and how much am I expecting for this? TIA

[kvilkhu]

Most Honda motors from what I recall say to change the belt at 160K. However I would inspect your belt itself because rubber can wear quite a bit at the age of your vehicle. To be on the safe side, I'd change it now. The last thing you want is a snapped belt which can result in you needing a new engine.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$600 for this job with parts and labour. I'd highly recommend using only genuine Honda Parts for this sort of thing.

[pfbmgd]

Most Honda motors from what I recall say to change the belt at 160K. However I would inspect your belt itself because rubber can wear quite a bit at the age of your vehicle. To be on the safe side, I'd change it now.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$600 for this job with parts and labour. I'd highly recommend using only genuine Honda Parts for this sort of thing.

Use Honda parts for the job.But shop around for a deal .I had a guy do my 92 Prelude for $280 parts in cash.

[Pete_Coach]

Your owners manual, in the maintenance section there will be a schedule for the replacement of the timing belt.
The replacement of the water pump in conjunction with the timing belt change is normally recommended because you are performing work in the same area and thereby saving some money. Be sure, really sure that if you decide to do this that they do not charge you for the flat rate of a pump change anyway. I have seen this happen often. They should not be charging you all the money for access to the pump is they already have access because of the timing belt.
Double check this by calling somewhere else and asking them how much labour for a pump change alone.
The premise is to save money but, if they don't reduce he pump replacement labour by 2/3, then there is no savings nor any reason to change the pump. If it is working, isn't making squeaking noises, if you have no overheat issues or if it isn't leaking (anti freeze spots on your driveway) then, leave it alone.

[kvilkhu]

I'd have to disagree with you Pete Coach.

Replacing the water pump is a preventative measure that can save a lot of money down the road in replacing an engine. If the water pump fails, that's it.

I see what you mean about saving money, but the timing belt and water pump are supposed to be changed together to save headaches, and avoid expensive repairs down the road. They work together with the motor.

Having gone through a failed water pump resulting in an overheating engine, I can tell you from first hand experience that changing the pump and belt are something that should be done together, and at the scheduled interval. Once your motor overheats, it's usually never the same.

[Pete_Coach]

I'd have to disagree with you Pete Coach.

Replacing the water pump is a preventative measure that can save a lot of money down the road in replacing an engine. If the water pump fails, that's it.

I see what you mean about saving money, but the timing belt and water pump are supposed to be changed together to save headaches, and avoid expensive repairs down the road. They work together with the motor.

Having gone through a failed water pump resulting in an overheating engine, I can tell you from first hand experience that changing the pump and belt are something that should be done together, and at the scheduled interval. Once your motor overheats, it's usually never the same.

By all means disagree but, the fact is that while it is preventative, it may be unnecessary. If you have a water pump failing, it would be obvious to you if you paid any attention at all. In all my years I have never seen a catastrophic water pump failure. It is always preceded by leaking fluid from the pump housing, noisy pump, increased engine temps, overheat (at which time you pull over and no longer drive) and then failure. I have also rarely seen a water pump failure that ended an engine failure, if that was the case then the owner way over extended the very obvious warning signs.
Now, I do not say not to do it, what I say is ensure you are not paying for two full jobs just because of convenience (and additional sales) to the shop (not you) because if they are charging you full rate for them both. If they are, then you can wait till the pump really needs changing and, that could be a long time yet.
I am not denying it is a big job, just that an upsell is an upsell and sometimes if something is repeated often enough, it becomes fact, and this is not.

[sunnybono]

Your owners manual, in the maintenance section there will be a schedule for the replacement of the timing belt.
The replacement of the water pump in conjunction with the timing belt change is normally recommended because you are performing work in the same area and thereby saving some money. Be sure, really sure that if you decide to do this that they do not charge you for the flat rate of a pump change anyway. I have seen this happen often. They should not be charging you all the money for access to the pump is they already have access because of the timing belt.
Double check this by calling somewhere else and asking them how much labour for a pump change alone.
The premise is to save money but, if they don't reduce he pump replacement labour by 2/3, then there is no savings nor any reason to change the pump. If it is working, isn't making squeaking noises, if you have no overheat issues or if it isn't leaking (anti freeze spots on your driveway) then, leave it alone.

+1 I agree with Pete. My mechanic, a lic. Honda Tech never charges extra for the Water Pump only for the parts!!! As per my honda Tech he said the cost (OEM parts and Labour) is approx $450 +/- $25 (he quoted me from the top of his head without checking prices for owm parts)

sk

sk

[Spud72]

By all means disagree but, the fact is that while it is preventative, it may be unnecessary.

Preventative maintenance, by definition, may be unnecessary. Maintenance only becomes necessary at time of imminent failure.

It is prudent and relatively inexpensive to change the water pump while you've got the front of the motor accessible. A water pump is generally not a huge dollar item.

A similar analogy would be when replacing a clutch disk and not to replace the throwout or pilot bearing. Sure, they may still be good and have a lot of life in them, but for what it is worth you might as well change it while you've got it right in front of you.
I'd highly recommend using only genuine Honda Parts for this sort of thing.
While I would certainly not advocate against using Genuine Honda parts, keep in mind Honda does not make their own belts. They are subcontracted to one of the major belt manufacturers in the world. Personally, for something like a timing belt I would have no personal reservations about using a belt from a major belt manufacturer.